Legislative News

But critics of the legislation say lack of resources, not a too-high commitment standard, is the problem with Illinois' mental health system.

Illinois becomes the 24th state to allow wrongful-death plaintiffs to recover for their grief, sorrow, and mental suffering at the loss of their loved one.

A major overhaul of DUI law doubles the summary-suspension period and requires offenders to submit to alcohol monitoring devices in return for driving permits. Critics charge that it will produce unintended consequences, including fewer guilty pleas.

Has the second district made it easier for a party to a real estate contract to make a counter offer disguised as a mere "modification"?

Complainants under the Illinois Human Rights Act can now file in circuit court instead of with state agencies. This brings Illinois into line with federal practice and that of 38 states.

A bill would make it more likely that legal aid and other charitable organizations will end up with leftover class-action settlement proceeds.

A new bill would discourage developers and others from suing - and thus trying to silence - opponents of their subdivisions, landfills, and the like.

Public defenders opposed the law's passage, arguing that it gives inmates second-class justice.

The General Assembly Web site's free "My Legislation" feature lets you stay abreast of new public acts.

A new law allows clients to sue for UPL damages under the Illinois Attorney Act.

It’s good to allow trustees to terminate small trusts when fees are consuming income. But should income, rather than remainder, beneficiaries automatically get the proceeds?

ISBA’s Director of Legislative Affairs Jim Covington reports from Springfield on new legislation, including County prisoners and childbirth (House Bill 1958), Residential mortgage originators (Public Act 97-143), Uniform Foreign Country Money Judgements Recognition Act, Adoption Act Registry, Health Care PoAs and Condominiums and associations.

A summary of key legislation passed this spring by the Illinois General Assembly.

 An amendment to the Juvenile Court Act requires that counsel be appointed for a juvenile defendant in custody at or before his or her initial court hearing.

 A new law classifies zoning decisions as legislative acts, not administrative rulings. This will streamline zoning proceedings, proponents say.

Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act legislatively overturn recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

The Act should quell libel suits against those who legitimately petition government for redress. But does it also shield those who intentionally defame others?

The statutes are online, of course. But here are other free resources.